Antigua and Barbuda Overview

Country Profile

Antigua and Barbuda are located in the Caribbean to the north of the Antilles. An area of 442 square kilometers is home to a population of 77,000, most of whom are of African descent. The majority of the population profess to be Christian, and English is the primary language. The currency is the East Caribbean dollar and the capital is St. John.

Antigua and Barbuda National Flag

The national flag consists of three triangles, two red and one that is black, blue, and white, with a yellow rising sun. Black symbolizes the people of this island nation, red represents the warm blood of the people, and the “V” shape symbolizes power and victory. The yellow sun represents the dawn of a new era and blue symbolizes hope. Together, yellow, blue and white symbolize the island’s abundant resources.

History Summary

1495, when Columbus reached the Americas second sailing the islands, and in Seville, Spain, the church named the island of Antigua. Between 1520-1629, the islands were invaded by Spanish and French colonialists. In 1632 they was occupied by Britain, and in 1667, under the Treaty of Breda, officially became a British colony. In 1967 they became a British Associated State and established an internal self-government. On November 1, 1981, Antigua and Barbuda declared independence and joined the Commonwealth.

Antigua and Barbuda Map